June 8, 2017 at
1:00 PM

Travis Lakins (pictured) breezed through the Carolina League this year, pitching to a 2.61 ERA while striking out 43 over 38 innings. His transition to the Eastern League has been a rocky one as he has allowed 17 runs over 15 innings. SoxProspects.com Director of Scouting Ian Cundall featured Lakins in the latest version of his Scouting Scratch, and he also uploaded some video from the outing.

There were several standout performances in the system in May, and Mike Shawaryn and Michael Chavis were ultimately chosen as the Pitcher and Hitter of the Month, respectively. Senior Staff Writer James Dunne covered their various accomplishments for the month, and both players have also come out hot in June. Shawaryn struck out six over five innings in his first start since his promotion to Salem, while Chavis already has four extra-base hits in seven games this month.

Cundall and Executive Editor Chris Hatfield had JJ Cooper of Baseball America on the most recent episode of the SoxProspects.com Podcast for the annual draft preview. Cooper discusses some of the players the Red Sox are likely targeting in the draft, which starts on Monday night. The guys also discussed the latest system news and the new June rankings.

One player who has continued to climb the ranks is 18-year-old Bryan Mata, who is currently the youngest player in the South Atlantic League. Mata struck out six over six innings on his way to winning the Player of the Night award on Tuesday, and the right-hander is starting to receive a lot of attention for his performance.

Some of Mata's teammates in Greenville were recognized for their strong seasons this week as Logan Boyd, Stephen Nogosek, and Roldani Baldwin were selected to participate in the 2017 South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 20. Drive hitting coach Wilton Veras will serve in the same role for the Southern Division team.

After injuring his hamstring while slipping on the mound in a start last Saturday for the PawSox, Brian Johnson is healthy enough to be the scheduled starter for the Red Sox on Friday.

In his first start back from the disabled list on Wednesday, Darwinzon Hernandez gave up two runs in only one inning of work. He threw 38 pitches in the inning, and the Drive were being cautious after his two-week break.

Chandler Shepherd, who has struggled so far this season in Pawtucket, was put on the disabled list this week with right forearm soreness.

After serving a 50-game suspension due to a positive test for a stimulant, Jake Romanski has been added to the Portland roster.